Let me introduce myself, my name is Ann Baker, mother of Faith Baker Rowe. On behalf of this non-profit corporation “Fly with Faith Inc” 5K run and walk, allow me to share our story: 

On March 7th, 2023, there was a mid-airplane collision above Lake Hartridge, next to the Winter Haven Airport. Four lives were lost. Our daughter Faith (24yr old) tragically lost her life along with her student Zach Mace (19 yr old), and two other pilots Randall Crawford (67 yr old) and Lois DeFazio (78yr old).

Faith was a gift from our good Lord. Sent to us after a 15 yr long wait on trying to have a child of our own. She arrived May 8th, 1999. The Best Mother’s Day gift ever! We were so excited to adopt her. She was very smart, gifted musically, singing for numerous church organizations, and playing many instruments from the time she was 9yrs old, especially piano and drums. She was an adventurous individual who loved to play basketball, skateboard, ride rollercoasters, go to concerts, and fly. She received her education at Heritage Christian Academy, Jewett Academy, Auburndale High School, Chain of Lakes Collegiate, and Polk State College. After taking an interest in flying, she proceeded to earn a bachelor’s degree in aviation science as well as obtaining her private, instrument, commercial, and flight instructor certificates, pursuing a goal to work for a major airline. She was a member at Peoples church and sang on the praise & worship team there. She first worked at Panda Express, wherein she encountered her future husband Jonathan Rowe, before subsequently continuing to Sunrise Aviation, where she operated single-engine aircraft and instructed student pilots. Our girl was a gracious woman who loved flying and singing for the Lord, prioritizing others before herself. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She was a devoted wife to her husband Jonathan. March 18th, 2023 would have been their one-year anniversary but instead it was the day of her Celebration of Life…

 The collision occurred while conducting power off 180’s maneuvers with her student Zach. The other aircraft involved was a seaplane flown by Randall and Lois. Unfortunately, the seaplane was operating contrary to the known traffic pattern with no electrical system, radio or ADSB when the collision happened.

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